Conditioner -Ojon - Ultra Hydrating conditioner
MsLove 12/27/2010 6:29:00 PM
I purchased the travel size of this, along with the corresponding shampoo. I really like the Ultra Hydrating shampoo. But this conditioner was very average. It is somewhat thick, and there is a silicone in it (amodimethicone) which requires a sulfate shampoo to remove. I shampooed with the Ojon Ultra Hydrating Shampoo, rinsed, and applied this to ends and lengths of hair. I found that it doesn't detangle or soak in immediately - but if you wait about 5 minutes it does make your hair softer. You have to give it time. I wouldn't rate it as a super fabulous detangler, but it does drench hair with rich oils. After the shower, my hair felt soft and didn't dry out very quickly. While there are good nourishing oils in the ingredients list, for the price tag $26 per 8 oz bottle of conditioner, I personally would prefer to invest that directly in the Ojon Oil treatment and use my regular moisturizing conditioner (Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose, Kenra Moisturizing, Trader Joe's Nourish, Nature's Gate Aloe Vera, etc.). You can follow up with the Ojon Restorative Treatment and get better results than using the conditioner.
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Conditioner -Suave - Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner
MsLove 12/13/2010 9:24:00 PM
A good value for a cheap conditioner that is usually about $1-$2 when I see it in the store. I much prefer Trader Joe's Nourish Spa Conditioner, which is all natural and the quality is much higher. As for Suave Coconut - I have used it for co-washes, with no problems. Didnt dry out my hair, but didnt make it overly soft. Overtime, I feel like it builds up on my hair, or weighs it down. But adding a drop of jojoba oil helps to retain some of the hydration in the conditioner. It does a decent job of detangling curls, and has a sufficient slip rating. However, there is a lot of synthetic ingredients, which I dont care for, and I can feel the difference in my hair when I use it after going natural for so long. But I like that you can find it anywhere - and it works well enough where I would repurchase. At the cost to check bags now, it is almost cheaper to not pack a conditioner, then buy a full bottle of this for $1 when you get to the local drugstore at the city you're visiting. This is thicker than V05 Conditioner, and the performance is comparable. Overall, It performed to my expectation for a large brand cheapie drugstore conditioner. I would use it again, no problems, but wouldnt be my first pick
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Trader Joe's - Balanced Moisturizing Nourish Spa Shampoo
MsLove 12/13/2010 9:17:00 PM
My favorite shampoo. $3 a bottle at my local TJs. I also use the corresponding conditioner, for co-washes. I typically follow the CurlyGirl method, but I use this when I need to wash my hair with shampoo (usually after very heavy oil treatments before I blow dry, otherwise, I just continue to co-wash and bun). I love that it is sulfate free, and that it has wonderful ingredients. It smells delicious! This shampoo gets my hair squeaky clean. Removes all build up, and I do believe it works as a clarifier. But it doesnt dry my hair at all. I used to use this daily, I was pretty amazed that my hair never got brittle from too much washing after this shampoo got your hair so clean. Maybe it was using it with the conditioner. Maybe not. But either way, its a very high quality product at an excellent value. Also have used this as a body wash - its great! I will definitely continue to repurchase, year after year. I also like other shampoos, but this is my favorite because of smell, ingredients, and value. Also suds really really well.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair -Unlisted Brand - Coconut Oil
MsLove 12/13/2010 9:12:00 PM
Some time ago I wrote another review for coconut oil, and the myriad of uses it has. However, specifically for hair, it is excellent at strengthening strands, providing shine and nutrition, and helping to protect from damage. I use this as a pre-shampoo treatment, hot oil treatment, overnight treatment, and sometimes will put a small amount at the ends of my hair after styling to protect from the dry winter air. I also use this on my hair after wet bunning. An excellent treatment that you can use to help have healthy, bouncy, shiny hair. Also works well if you heat this and mix it with your favorite natural conditioner - I like to mix Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose together for a deep conditioning treatment, added a cap and heat for at least 20 minutes. My hair drinks in the moisture from the conditioner, and the natural oils help to seal the nutriients into my hair. Also, the jojoba conditions the skin of my scalp, also providing moisturization to encourage healthy hair growth. Have used for years and will continue to do so. I keep a jar in the shower and apply it to my hair after wet. I also use this to take off makeup, moisturize my skin, and eating it is GREAT for you. Look up all the uses it has online! Or check out the other reviews for it on MUA. :)
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Clarisonic - Mia
MsLove 12/13/2010 8:17:00 PM
This product works wonderfully. Know it sounds like hype, but it does everything it says it will do. You just have to be CONSISTENT with using it for it to work. I bought this about 2 years ago, but never used it consistently because everytime I would "purge" I would stop using it. Finally, I pulled it out of the drawer again and starting cleansing with it. The purging didnt last long. It was only 1 or 2 zits here or there - my now, near the side of my hairline, my chin. Then afterwards - voila. My skin looked like it had a glow, it felt very soft, and now I feel like my skin isnt clean unless I use this. If you have a Sonicare toothbrush, you would understand - once you go for a professional cleansing, its hard to go back. Same with this cleansing tool for your face. Great investment. Oh, and you can buy the brusheads pretty cheap on eBay.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Unlisted Brand - Emu Oil
MsLove 12/13/2010 8:01:00 PM
I have been using Emu Oil for almost a month. I ordered it from eBay for about $9 w/ free shipping for 1 oz. I use it in the evening, after cleansing. I wash my face with my clarisonic and whatever cleanser I am in the mood for. Kinerase Gentle Cleanser, Purity Made Simple, Dessert Essence Tea Tree Oil Wash, or a natural tea tree bar soap. Then I tone, then I apply this oil before bed. Initially I bought it to try to use more natural products, and I read that it was excellent for fading scars. Surprisingly, my skin drank it in and LOVED it! No breakouts, more toned, brighter complexion, reduced inflamation after chemical treatments, and it has helped to reduce fading. I have also continued to apply the oil in the evening when I saw a few bumps about to breakout, and voila, they were gone the next day. I only used a few tiny drops on my fingertips, and massaged in. It takes about 30 minutes for my skin to soak it in, but it feels soft and not oily at all once it is soaked in. Pretty cool. It doesnt just sit on your face. Mostly I use just this emu oil in the evening with nothing else. But sometimes I will mix with squalene oil too, which I also got off of eBay. I have also used it successfully with Kinerase Lotion, Aubrey Organics Blue Green Algae Moisturizer, and even with Argan Oil. I am so surprised at how my skin just drinks up the oil. Maybe because I am turning 30 this year? I have combo acne prone skin that does whatever it wants to do - this seems to make it normal! No breakouts! I will continue to use this, but I am wondering if I should swap out all of my Kinerase products after using just this and a gentle soap with my Clarisonic? Would save a ton of money. Two thumbs up. Also heard that this is excellent for hair care. Havent used it for that yet, but if I do will post an update.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Aubrey Organics - Rosa Mosqueta Night Creme with ALA
MsLove 11/28/2010 2:46:00 PM
Rosa Mosqueta Rose Hip Seed oil is excellent for moisture, dry, mature skin, and fading scars. However it is NOT recommended for oily-acne prone skin. If you look at reviews for the products, most that like it are those that need hydration, are older, not teenagers, or live in dry climates. For me, this skin works well if I alternate with other cremes. I love how it brightens and softens, but I cant use it too much because unforunately, I am one of those acne prone combo weird skin types. I probably will not repurchase for my skin type (which continues to change as I grow older), but I would highly recommend it to someone that has very dry skin that isn't acne prone. Price, packaging, and ingredients are all a bonus.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Skinceuticals - Hydrating B5 Gel
MsLove 11/28/2010 2:26:00 PM
This gel is a treatment that is excellent after chemical peels, exfoliation, Retin-A, Clindamycin, Ziana, or any other aggressive chemical treatments provided to your skin where exfoliation and high skin cell turnover is encouraged. If you want to give an extra boost of hydration and restore elasticity and firm suppleness after an intense treatment, this is great. If you are just applying it over your skin as a daily routine, there are probably better hydrators out there because you're paying extra money for a sensitivity that you dont need. This gel is very mild and can be used on sensitive or irritated skin, which is what makes it so great after treatments. This is helpful for those that cannot use basic lotions after treatments because they will burn, or oils because they will clog pores. Or maybe they are sensitive to natural alternatives, like Aloe Vera Gel, which is also very moisturizing, calming, and loaded with vitamins. I used this treatment on my skin with great results for after treatment care. I have used it successfully after a 40% Lactic Acid chemical peel, and believed it helped in the repair and cell turnover for my new skin. I also liked it when I was using other topical treatments that were a bit agressive and might cause flaking/skaling. This helped to prevent or minimize that effect. However, I do not use this as a daily moisturizer; I don't find it to be as effective for that purpose. It is great to mix in with your regular moisturizer, and it gives your skin an extra boost of vitmains without causing irritation. I would recommend this for hydrating use after a Makuep Artists Choice chemical peel, after physically exfoliating your skin, or for mixing in with Aztec Indian Healing Clay masks. Or, for adding to an evening moisturizer or daytime moisturizer if you want added hydration for your skin. I would recommend purchasing the sample size - since a little goes a long way and buying the full size may go to waste.
7 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Make Up For Ever - Duo Mat Powder foundation
MsLove 11/28/2010 2:15:00 PM
Excellent powder for all day staying powder. I used to need to touch up when I would use Bobbi Brown or MAC. However, I wanted something that would keep my combo skin looking refined through all of 10 hour workdays. This does the trick. I have used alone with moisturizer, with the MUFE Full Cover Concealer on spots with blemishes, and over a primer. Each time, I get the same results, long lasting coverage without oil slicks that get through. I have found that the key to staying power and finish is in the method of application. If you use a brush - like the Bare Minerals Brush you get great all over coverage. Also a kabuki brush is good to use. If you use a powder brush, it will be lighter, and not so heavy. If you use the powder puff that comes in the compact, I think it goes on too heavy, and looks a little ashy. All in all, a great product, I would highly recommend for others.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Clinique - Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
MsLove 11/14/2010 9:43:00 PM
Used to use it for about two years.Worked just fine as a moisturizer. But it's overrated, I moved on and never missed it.
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Primer/ Corrector -Unlisted Brand - Monistat - Chafing Relief Powder-Gel
MsLove 10/31/2010 2:27:00 PM
Works wonderfully. It is comparable to the Smashbox Photo Finish. Controls oil and removes shine after moisturizer - I have actually worn this alone on good skin days and it keeps shine away for most all of the day! Works well with whatever I am using for my face, doesnt clog pores. An absolutely fantastic find. I transfer the gel out of the tube and into a prettier pump bottle only for aestetic purposes. If you have an old Smashbox container, you could save it and transfer it there it would work just as well. However its hard to get all the primer out of the Photo Finish container - so you may be better off buying another small one. If packaging means a lot to you.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Masks -Kinerase - Kinerase Clear Skin Regulating Mask
MsLove 10/26/2010 8:20:00 PM
A little bit of luxury. I do think that this mask helps to control sebum production without overdrying skin. But sometimes, I wasnt all dirt suckled out - this doesnt do it. I use the Bentonite Clay for that. But I still like this one. Would repurchase if it were on sale - but probably will not buy it at full price again. There are other good ones for less. For example, Aubrey Organics Blue Green Algae Mask is another excellent face mask that also softens and helps sebum production, and its about $8 and the ingredients are all natural.
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Moisturizers -Kinerase - Clear Skin Moisture Light [DISCONTINUED]
MsLove 10/26/2010 8:17:00 PM
I have been using this moisturizer for a month, as a daytime moisturizer in the morning. I wash my face, tone, and apply this lotion. I wait about 4 minutes, and by that time, it is a matte finish. Not perfectly matte - but hydrated and not oily. I like it alot. My next steps, I use a primer on my face to control oil all day, and then I apply a dab of concealer on two scars taht are still fading. That's it. I believe it helps to keep my acne-prone skin hydrated and it seems to help control oil production. I dont have any new zits from using it, and if I do have a breakout (hormonal) I use this in combination with whichever acne treatment I am in the mood for and it works synergistically with it. I also think that my skin is brighter, smoother, and softer from the Kinetin in this product. I also use the Kinerase lotion at night as an evening heavier richer treatment. I also use the cleanser. So maybe using these products together - and treating my face with Lactic Acid peels in between, is to blame and its no singular thing. But I would recommend it and repurchase it. If you shop around, you can get the bottle for less than retail price.
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Styling Products -Rusk - Str8
MsLove 10/23/2010 5:55:00 PM
I hated this stuff. Left my hair feeling weighed down, sticky, and coated. Used it once and returned it. For those who are really in love with it - they have it in TJ Maxx all the time, the huge bottles of it - almost always giving it away with the low price. Happy Shopping. Unfortunately it didnt work out for me ....!
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Masks -Unlisted Brand - Aztec - Indian Healing Clay
MsLove 10/23/2010 5:45:00 PM
A very good cleansing mask. I thought that it wouldnt pulsate, and people were exaggerating in their reviews - but it does! I didnt measure anything - just mixed half vineagar and a bit of water until it had a creamy consistency. The first time I applied, I used lots of it, and it dried very hard and was difficult to remove. The second time, I did a thinner application, it worked just as well, and rinsed off much easier. I have been a faithful user of Queen Helene Mint Julep and Mud Mask - this will be added to the aresenal too. For those wanting to step up the suckling action, this is your pick. I also like that it will last forever - and you can customize your formulations to add more moisture/cleansing action with different ingredients.
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